Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

So I've searched through the forums regarding the door handle retainer clips and can't find where anyone has addressed removing the old rusty ones. Mine are STUCK! Anyone have any suggestions about removing them?

1954 and earlier Packards did not use clips.

The door and window handles are held on by short pins that can be removed by pressing very firmly on the plastic escutcheon behind the handle and using a pin punch or other suitable tool to push the pin out.

There is a spring between the upholstery panel and the inner sheet metal structure of the door which normally holds the escutcheon against the handles.

I'm sorry. I should have clarified. The outer door handles. They have a long retainer clip holding them in. According to the manual you are supposed to slide the clip forward about an inch to remove the outside door handles. Problem is mine is rusted to the inside door.

The outer clips retaining the 51-6 outside handles can be a pain. The best suggestion is liberally dose the inside of clip channel and clip with penetrating fluid -- both top and bottom -- and let that sit then dose again. You can access the clips and channel by removing the lower window stop so the window can drop just a bit farther into the door so top of window is below the belt weatherstrip. Once the window top is clear you can then insert a long rod or screwdriver. It will be at an angle but you can reach the end of clip from the inside and tap it out. On some windows it can be close so if a path is still not clear then you will need to remove the window completely if you don't want to take a chance of any damage. It takes some perseverance and tapping on top and bottom to break free but generally they will come out with persuasion. If clips are badly rusted, probably one or more of the tangs will be damaged or break off. New non rusting repros are available but not cheap.

good information. Thanks for the info! Very much appreciate it.

Take a look at my project blog. I have battled those clips. Mine had to be hammered out as they were severely rusted and frozen to the channel. Grease them with yellow grease before installing new ones.

Thanks Kev. It took me a while but I just finished reading your blog. Very inspirational. I'm using it already for references and help. Thanks for pointing that out to me. Amazing job you did.